Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Robertson.
Hi Crystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Feed the Streetz Outreach was birth out of an inspiring entrepreneur, Crystal Robertson; undeniable passion not to forget one’s upbringing; connection to collaboration; and essentially being a serving hand to our community. In Spring 2016, as a new graduate from Texas A&M Commerce – University, I knew I wanted to create wealth. Driven by the fact that someone like myself graduated with Bachelor Arts of Science in Public Relations enhanced that mission. While incorporating my life experiences, being highly involved on my college campus, and again, knowing it was by the grace of God that I was exposed to opportunities I once only imagine helped to craft my skills to form FTS Outreach.
Furthermore, I introduced myself as a freelance publicist during the PV & Grambling weekend. However, I had a deep desire to serve. So, I “YouTube” some community service acts, and I realized to myself this outreach project looks an inexpensive to produce providing hygiene kits with a sandwich. I took it a step further by incorporating other young leaders, entrepreneurs, and service advocates to become volunteers. I feel strongly about giving back to your “old” situation especially if one has overcame it. Personally, I experienced homeliness as a child due to my mother’s decisions. As I got older, I experienced a different level of homeliness due to my mother passing when I was 18yrs old and choosing to stay in Dallas versus Louisiana in 2011. Moving forth I was introduced to DK Greer, who had 10 years of experience serving the homeless population with his family; Jazmyne Dixon, a childhood friend with a catering business & passion for hospitality; Milaun Mack, a college friend that experienced organization leadership with me as we both developed; DJ Bubba from Fort Worth TX & a brother from Omega Psi Phi; Anthony Wallace, a family friend skilled in networking; True Buzz an youth athletic program; and Ayanna Whitebear, now founder of Pretty With Purpose Mentorship, a single mother & paralegal with knowledge on the nonprofit field; and a few others. I utilized our natural gifts to enhance our presence in the community.
We did our first project in November 2016, served a 100 people, received our first sponsor, Sunny Dental from Lancaster, TX in which they still serve with us today. Most importantly we had an internal plan that was effective to serve and assist the people of our own community.
Currently, we have serviced over 500 individuals with our annual outreach projects and obtained our 501c3 status. Also, we started hosting a monthly mobile food pantry along with our traditional events such as Easter Brunch Party & Youth Movie Night at Dallas Life. Now we are in an expansion phase in order to service more families & not only feed their bellies but their minds. We continue to collaborate with others. We, as FTS, will continue to be the hands-on effort if we truly want to increase the well-being of those who are on the verge of losing everything. Most importantly, being youth advocates for homeless prevention and providing experience will always be our goal to plant a seed that can blossom into something bigger their circumstance. We have strived because of our individual gifts aligning for a God-given purpose and yes, we too have experienced some hardships. Our mission remains the same, simply stated, ” We are the keepers of the Streetz”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes of course. Anything worth having is worth working for. We have experienced a lot of changes with our board as sometimes the passion burns out or others have personal endeavors they want to achieve. As founder, I actually encourage it. My two rocks Jazmyne & DK have endured the changes which is mainly receiving more funding to do the work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently working full-time in my field of interest. Serving as the President of Feed the Streetz Outreach, working with other nonprofits through partnership & development, and helping small businesses/non-profits as it relates to employee relations, etc.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best mentor is life experience. I was once told by a female finical advisor “that at some point in life you don’t go around asking for mentorship…you make yourself available to become an asset”. That’s when the actual growth begins. I would encourage anybody who has the heart to see their purpose through to first step out on faith and understand that a level of work will always be subjected to your elevation. No matter how easy or fast it occurs. Stay in your lane and avoid self-comparison. “No one can do you like you do you!!!”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ftsoutreach.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/feedthestreetzoutreach?igshid=Nzg3NjI1NGI=
Image Credits
DeKorations Visuals Agency
Brandon Walker
Iconic Visuals
